Understanding Powerline Network Security - NETGEAR XAV5004 - POWERLINE AV 500 ADAPTER User Manual

CAUTION:
NETGEAR recommends that you secure your Powerline network from
unauthorized access. This is especially relevant in settings such as
apartment buildings. See
page 10.

Understanding Powerline Network Security

A Powerline network consists of two or more Powerline adapters using the same network
encryption key. Securing your network is crucial. By encrypting the information you send over
the Powerline XAV5004 Adapter, you help to keep it secure from hackers. If you do not set up
security on your network, anyone nearby with a Powerline network can potentially use their
connection to gain access to your network and information you send over the Internet. This is
especially relevant in settings such as apartment buildings, office buildings, dorm rooms, and
other more populated areas.
Powerline devices connected to the same network must use an identical encryption key. The
security used by Powerline XAV5004 Adapters is similar to the SSID and encryption keys
used in wireless networks, but you do not need software to configure Powerline XAV5004
Adapters.
There are two ways to secure your Powerline network.
• Use the Security button located on the Powerline adapter to automatically generate a
random encryption key. See
• Use the XAV5004 Powerline Utility to configure your Powerline network with an
encryption key that you specify. If you are already using Powerline or HomePlug devices
then you will need to use the Powerline Utility. If not already installed, the Powerline Utility
should be installed on your computer. See
page 12.
For information about using the XAV5004 Powerline Utility to configure Powerline security
or to prioritize Powerline network traffic using the Quality of Service (QoS) feature, see
Chapter 2.
Note: To return the XAV5004 Powerline AV 500 Adapter to its factory
default settings, see
10 | Chapter 1. Installation and Basic Configuration
XAV5004 Powerline AV 500 Adapter User Manual
Understanding Powerline Network Security
Set the Encryption Key
Installing the XAV5004 Powerline Utility
Reset a Device to Factory Settings
.
on page 17.
on
on